Jefferson, Georgia, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Families of two victims from the mass shooting at Apalachee High School are pursuing lawsuits against local authorities and Discord. The Schermerhorn family seeks $25 million following the loss of their son, while the Jones family is seeking $15 million for their injured daughter. Attorney Mike Puglise is representing both families and raising concerns over mental health interventions and online threats prior to the shooting. The case has drawn attention to accountability among institutions involved and sparked community support initiatives in memory of the victims.
Jefferson, Georgia – Families of two victims from the September 2024 mass shooting at Apalachee High School have filed ante litem notices to sue the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Barrow County School System, and online chat platform Discord. The family of Mason Schermerhorn, a student killed in the shooting, is seeking up to $25 million in damages. Meanwhile, the family of Taylor Jones, a student injured in the shooting, is pursuing up to $15 million in damages. Attorney Mike Puglise is representing both families and is expected to file the lawsuits by the end of the year.
Puglise noted that Georgia law requires a specific dollar amount to be included in an ante litem notice, even when the amount does not genuinely reflect the value of a life lost. The tragic shooting incident resulted in four individuals dead and nine others injured, including two students (Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo) and two teachers (Cristina Irimie and Richard Aspinwall). Fourteen-year-old Colt Gray was arrested and charged with 55 counts, including felony murder, in connection with the shooting.
In May 2023, the FBI alerted Jackson County about potential online threats allegedly linked to Colt Gray, the suspected shooter. However, Gray denied making any threats during his questioning by Jackson County investigators. There are claims that the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office failed to notify school officials when Gray transitioned from their school district to Barrow County, which Puglise argues is crucial for understanding the circumstances that led to the incident.
Puglise is advocating for a review of policies and procedures surrounding the incident to address underlying issues beyond gun control. He believes the Barrow County School System could have intervened regarding ongoing mental health issues involving Gray. Jackson County officials stated they could not comment on pending litigation, while a spokesperson for the Barrow County School System reiterated their inability to provide comments on the situation, emphasizing their commitment to student safety.
Furthermore, Puglise claims he is the first attorney in Georgia to pursue legal action against Discord related to a shooting incident, questioning whether the platform offers an unmonitored space for harmful behavior. Community support initiatives, including a vigil and memorial, have been organized on the one-year anniversary of the shooting to honor the victims.
Updates have also emerged regarding the trial of Colt Gray, with a new date set for February 9, 2026, which has been postponed from the previous date of September 8 due to scheduling conflicts.
FAQ
What incident prompted the families to file lawsuits?
The lawsuits were prompted by the September 2024 mass shooting at Apalachee High School, which resulted in four individuals dead and nine others injured.
Who is being sued by the families of the shooting victims?
The families are filing lawsuits against the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Barrow County School System, and online chat platform Discord.
What amounts are being sought in damages?
The family of Mason Schermerhorn is seeking up to $25 million in damages, while the family of Taylor Jones is pursuing up to $15 million in damages.
Has there been any prior notice of threats related to the shooter?
Yes, in May 2023, the FBI alerted Jackson County about online threats allegedly connected to the suspected shooter, Colt Gray.
When is the next trial date for the shooter?
The trial for Colt Gray is now set for February 9, 2026.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | September 2024 |
| Location | Apalachee High School, Jefferson, Georgia |
| Fatalities | 4 individuals (2 students, 2 teachers) |
| Injured | 9 individuals |
| Shooter’s Age | 14 years old |
| Charges Against Shooter | 55 counts including felony murder |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Public Schools Achieves Historic Graduation Milestone
Families of Shooting Victims Sue Local Authorities and Discord
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: School Shootings in the United States
- Georgia Recorder
- Google Search: Georgia School Shooting
- FOX 5 Atlanta
- Google Scholar: Mass Shooting Legal Action
- Al Jazeera
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School Shooting
- Atlanta News First
- Google News: Gun Violence National Walkout
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